Panda Shepherd

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Panda Shepherd is in fact a piebald German Shepherd which has occurred in single GSD line. This unique dog is 35% white and rest is black and tan in colour. It is a spontaneous mutation and has no White German Shepherds in its ancestry. This unique dog came into existence through a natural genetic mutation. On October 4, 2000, a liter of German Shepherd puppies were whelped. The father was a traditional black and tan saddle patterned dog, and the mother was solid black. In this litter, there was a "Panda Shepherd" with black/tan/white colouring. The breeder, Cindy McCann, was shocked at what she saw with one of the puppies- it was unlike any other German Shepherd she had ever seen. DNA testing proved that the newly born unique puppy, named Franky, was all in all a GSD without any other bloodlines from White GSD or any other breed. The same dogs, that gave birth to Franky, were matted three more times but all resulting litter were traditionl black and tan puppies. Upon maturity, Franky, the female Panda Shepherd, was crossed with traditional black and tan GSD. Out of four resulting puppies, three had the unique black/tan/white colouring but lacked blue eyes of Franky. The piebald GSDs were given the name Panda Shepherds.

These dogs stand between 24-26 inches and weigh 75-95 lbs. They come with a proportionate wedge-shaped head, strong skull and moderate length muzzle that broadens towards tip. Medium size almond shaped eyes with ice blue to brown colour hold keen and intelligent expression. Moderate size ears are pointed and erect. This dog breed has a square body with relatively short but strongly built straight back, strong and broad loin and deep chest with well sprung ribs. Bushy and long tail hangs straight down or slightly curves when the dog is at rest. The Panda Shepherd has medium length, harsh and close-fitting outer coat with fine and dense undercoat. Colouring should be no more than 40% white and rest should be red/tan/silver or sable.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC or any other major kennel club.

Color

The Panda Shepherd dog has unique colouring with 40% or less white and rest is red/tan/yellow or sable with colour covering one or both eyes. Other coat markings are swirling patterns on the back of the neck and ticking of black on the muzzle and tan ticking on the legs.

Coat

This breed has a double coat. Topcoat is medium length, dense, straight, harsh and close-fitting while undercoat is fine and dense. The coat is longer and heavier on neck, back of legs and underside of tail. The head and ears are covered with a smooth, somewhat softer hair, while the hair covering the legs and paws is more harsh.

Personality

The Panda Shepherd, just like its ancestors, is a multipurpose working dog that can easily acquire any role that is passed on to it. This multi-talented dog can be a devoted and loyal companion, an able herder of flock and a general utility dog. With an eye-pleasing dignified and noble appearance, the dog exudes self-confidence and energy. It is an intelligent, loyal, devoted and loving breed that bonds strongly with its family. The dog is excellent with children with its playful and gentle nature. Though not apprehensive of strangers, it is essentially curious and vigilant around them which is a hall mark of an excellent watchdog. This dog has protective instincts and with its fearless nature, it is ever ready to take on any potential threat, willing to put its life on the line in protecting its family. This dog needs human interaction and it loves to be part of the family. Though the dog is kind and obedient to all the family, it specially bonds with one person whom he thinks as alpha leader. This dog should not be left alone for long time periods as it may feel separation anxiety. With its curious nature, the Panda Shepherd makes an excellent search and rescue dog. It is used in Police work due to its high learning curves and versatile nature. The owner of this dog should display proper leadership skills to be alpha leader of this very intelligent dog who can sense any weakness in its master and may try to take advantage of it. This dog needs early socialization and training to remove any signs of timidness or nervousness. Like its ancestors, a properly trained Panda Shepherd is an asset to have in the family.

Care

This breed sheds constantly though shedding is low. The coat needs to be brushed on daily basis to avoid spreading of hair all over the home. This dog is a seasonal heavy shedder. Regular brushing during those times will help in shedding process. Bathe this dog only when necessary. Ears should be checked regularly.

Training

This dog is intelligent and more importantly eager and willing to learn. This makes Panda Shepherd a very trainable breed. The trainer, however, should display proper leadership skills to avoid stubborn and willful behavior from this breed. A calm and stable, confident trainer will get the best out of this dog through positive training methods. Harsh or heavy handed methods are neither required nor they are tolerated by this breed.

Activity

The Panda Shepherd is an active and working dog that needs to be doing some task that satisfies its physical as well as mental stimulation urges. This dog is a best companion on walks, jogs and camping, tracking and hiking. It has been successfully used as police and military dog where it performs drug detection, gas leakages, underground mines and many other tasks. It also excels in other dog activities as well such as Schutzhund, obedience, agility, flyball and ringshow. The Panda Shepherd is also a popular family and show dog.